How to design this light system

[tunicata]

Ahoy,
So I am trying to figure out a light set up for a 120gal (48x24x24) tank.

I would like to retain the lights that exist and add in some MHs.

As you can see there are 4 PC lights currently sharing 1 large reflector.

Here are some questions:
- How can I reconfigure this to install MHs and utilize these PCs?
- What type of MH would be good for the 120gal (250w/175w and DE vs SE)


Things to consider:
- I will keep softies, lps and a few sps (sps would be the easier variety)
When the lights sit atop the tank, there would be about 7 inches before the water line.
- If I do not use the PC lights, then i really have no other use for them. I'd like to use them because I have them.
- I do not have much electrical/tech skills so, I wont be rigging up anything special .
-I want to keep the canopy because I like it

Current thoughts:
I was thinking of taking out the current lights, and installing 2 retrofit MHs in the middle of the platform, then reinstalling the PCs in individual reflectors on the sides.
So, it would end up looking like those dual MH/PC combo fixtures. I think I would need shears and or a drill that could drill into the thin reflector metal.

Anything else I'm missing?

 

[NYC Joe]

Sounds good.
Maybe put a hole in both sides to provide air flow through?
Put 1 fan blowin in.
1 fan blowing out.



Thanx
-Joe

 

[artie1209]

I currently have the same tank with the corals u are looking for (LPS easy SPS and Leathers). I have had good success with 2 175 MH and a pair of t5s although many would recomend 250 MH 175 would be a fine and you can usually find them inexpensive here on the site.

 

[skene]

you can add 2 - 175w. You should be ok with easier SPS.
However with trying to keep with the current lighting situation... it may be easier purchasing new reflectors and clips for the PCs. This will allow you to still keep what you currently have and allow for the addition of Mh bulbs and reflectors.

 

[ming]

I like the idea of adding 2 MH, but I don't like the idea of keeping the existing PC's. I would instead use 2 T5 bulbs if you really wanted supplements. 2 T5 bulbs = 108W vs 4 PC = 220 or 260W. That's just electrical useage, and then replacing the bulbs would also cost double as much.